Street traders raise alarm over Library Gardens ASB

By Laura Linham 5th Aug 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Street traders say anti-social behaviour in Library Gardens is getting worse, with some businesses now feeling they are being left to manage the problem themselves.

Retailers in the village have raised concerns about the gardens at the junction of Leigh Road and High Street, where they say people are gathering daily. Public drinking, drug taking and loud music are among the main complaints being raised by local businesses.

The area is not tucked away. Library Gardens sits beside Street's main tourist and domestic bus stops and taxi rank, putting it directly in front of visitors arriving in the village and shoppers heading for High Street.

Traders say that first and last impression is becoming damaging for Street. They have also reported racist and abusive comments being shouted at visitors in the area.

The gardens are signposted as an alcohol and drug-free area, but traders say the signs are being ignored. They say the situation is not being policed strongly enough, despite repeated reports.

Mark Tobin, chairman of Street Traders Association, said some businesses feel so worn down by the daily disruption that they feel like closing their doors and going home. He said traders are dealing with loud music, drug smoke drifting into shops and general anti-social behaviour on their doorstep.

Mr Tobin said: "We are all here for each other and work closely to help each other out, however things do seem to be getting worse on a daily basis."

Other traders have reported feeling nervous and vulnerable both on their way into work and while in their workplace. The association says retailers use a private chat group to communicate and support each other during the day, but many now feel they are at breaking point.

Businesses say they have made many calls to 101, with some calls not answered, and have reported concerns to the local neighbourhood policing team on numerous occasions. They say they still feel there is no meaningful police presence in Library Gardens or on High Street.

The traders have now reached out to their local MP in the hope of getting help before the problem gets further out of hand. They say retailers should not be expected to manage the threat independently, and that the safety of visitors and residents is a major concern.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Simon Lancey said Avon and Somerset Police takes anti-social behaviour "incredibly seriously" and said local businesses should be able to operate without fear of abuse.

He said: "We understand the impact issues like this have on communities, especially one like Street which is broadly a safe place to live, work and visit, but we will take robust action against those who engage in ASB.

"We have seen a small rise in reports of ASB in the town and while any increase is unacceptable, the numbers are low, and we will continue to carry out high visibility patrols to reassure the public and deter offending.

"While reports of ASB in the wider beat area have reduced from last year, we continue to speak with businesses and stakeholders to understand their concerns and what their priorities are.

"If people feel threatened or if an incident is ongoing, we urge them to call 999. We always encourage members of the public to report incidents like this so we can build an understanding of the scale of the problem and where our resources should be invested.

"Our communities are diverse and we want to remind people there is absolutely no place for hate, intimidation or violence, and where crimes are committed, we will act robustly and pursue those responsible."

Persistent anti-social behaviour can be reported by calling 101, using the Avon and Somerset Police website, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.